If you regularly traverse Georgia’s highways, you might see more commercial semi-trucks than you do other passenger cars. Usually, this is not a problem. For the most part, 
truckers are skilled and experienced drivers. However, the trucking industry is under tremendous pressure to carry goods across the country, and this pressure can come down hard on an individual driver and his rig. A very dangerous situation is created when a semi-truck driver is rushed or fatigued, and his truck is in disrepair. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a crash with a commercial truck, contact me to talk about your right to recover compensation.
You Need a Lawyer With Truck Accident Experience
You might think all vehicle crashes are the same, but when a commercial semi-truck is involved, it’s a whole different ballgame. Not only are you dealing with multi-million dollar insurance policies, but you will have to contend with the team of corporate attorneys. I have represented clients against big trucking companies, and I know that they are not like car accidents. Truck accidents often involve:
- Catastrophic injuries & deaths. Given the difference in size between a fully loaded tractor-trailer and an average passenger car, it’s no surprise that injuries can be devastating. Paralysis, traumatic brain injury, loss of a limb, shattered bones, and other catastrophic injuries are not uncommon and often prove to be fatal to the victim.
- Violations of federal trucking laws. Truckers are subject to federal laws regarding licensing, training, medical fitness, driving hours, cargo, maintenance of their rigs, and more. A personal injury attorney handling a truck accident claim must understand when a federal law has been broken.
- Multiple liable parties. Often, when a truck driver is found to be negligent, that means their employer is also accountable for damages. If a third party loaded the trailer or repaired the vehicle, they might also be liable if they contributed in some way to the crash.
- Dangerous cargo. Cars do not typically carry flammable liquids, and hazardous gases like hazmat trucks do. These materials must be handled according to strict safety regulations and can cause massive destruction if they are not.
- Difficult-to-obtain evidence. Commercial semi-trucks are required to be equipped with an event data recorder, commonly referred to as a black box, and electronic driving logs, which can be requisitioned by an attorney during an accident investigation.
When I represent truck accident victims, I hit the ground running to overcome these challenges and get my clients the compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Crashes
Whether a truck driver loses control and jackknifes, can’t stop and plows into traffic, or crosses the highway divider into oncoming traffic, it was probably caused by one of the following negligent actions:
- Fatigue. Despite federal hours-of-service rules, truckers often drive when they are overtired. Long trips and short deadlines could force a driver to push themselves to drive when they are too drowsy to safely operate the vehicle.
- Distraction. Long, boring trips lead drivers to distract themselves with phone conversations or text exchanges, daydreaming, and even watching TV. Having their eyes off the road for even a few seconds can cause a tragic crash.
- Impairment. Impaired driving is dangerous no matter what size the vehicle is, but when a truck driver is drunk or high, the consequences could be fatal to multiple people.
- Maintenance problems. A semi-truck’s brakes, lights, trailer coupling, steering, and tires must be inspected and fixed before every trip. Mechanical failure is a major cause of truck accidents.
- Cargo issues. Poorly packed or loaded cargo, hazardous materials, unsecured doors, and weak trailer couplings can result in a cargo spill that causes a crash, if not a highway pileup.
As an experienced semi-truck crash investigator, I will gather the necessary evidence to show what caused the crash as a first step in holding the negligent parties responsible.
What Is Included in Truck Accident Compensation?
Trucking companies carry large insurance policies on their drivers, and for a good reason. The damage that can be done when a truck collides with a much smaller passenger car can be devastating. I fight to get my clients all of the compensation to which they are entitled, which may include the following:
- Payment of past and current medical expenses
- Lost wages if they have been unable to work because of their injuries
- Coverage for potential future medical costs, including ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
- Compensation for lost future earnings if they are unable to earn the salary they did before the crash
- Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional suffering
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one is killed
Every truck accident case has unique elements, and I will take those factors into account as I determine the value of your claim and fight to get you what you are owed.
How I Will Protect Your Rights
The trucking company, their team of lawyers, and their insurance company will try to take advantage of you by denying their liability and offering you less than your case is worth. When you call me for help, rest assured that I will help protect your rights. Best of all, there is no need to worry about whether you can afford to hire me. I work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay me a dime until and unless I win your case. If you or a loved one was involved in a crash with a commercial semi-truck, complete the contact form or call me as soon as possible, so I can get to work fighting for you.
